All About Pocket Knives

Could someone help me date these knives? I'm trying to figure out if they are Bakelite. The name John Primble is stamped on the blade. It also has an emblem with his name on it. Below that, it says stainless steel.

WE NEED A PIC/PICS,THANKS

I don't know much about bakelite but the first commercial stainless came about 1915 and it was in wide usage by 1919, according to Levine's 4th edition.
Primble operated from 1890 until 1985, as a trademark of Belknap Hardware, so that is not much help.
Just for what its worth, I have never heard a single knife collector/dealer describe a knife handle as bakelite. Celluloid, yes. Delrin or Pyremite, yes. I always associate bakelite with antiques and antique dealers. I honestly don't know if any of those handle materials might otherwise be called bakelite or not.
Maybe one of the others members will come along and give additional insight.
The first response is correct, photos will be helpful.

I've been trying to get those pictures up. I'll keep trying.

Hey, is that you Billy Cochrane?

No.

Wasn't there a way to tell if a handle was bakelite using Simichrome and a cotton swab? Something about rubbing a little Simichrome on it with a swab and seeing if the swab turns pink? I might be mis-remembering it though.

Curiosity got the best of me. Found this on the web in testing for bakelite jewelry.

5. Testing by Sight - Using Simichrome Polish
Simichrome Polish is a non-abrasive cream used to clean metals. You can also use it to test Bakelite for authenticity. Sparingly apply to a soft cloth and gently rub a small spot on the inside or back of the item being tested. If it's Bakelite, the cloth should turn yellow with ease. If a piece is laquered, it may test negative. Black Bakelite pieces often fail this test as well. Use the other tests above to confirm authenticity if a piece you suspect to be Bakelite fails with Simichrome.
6. Testing by Sight - Using Formula 409 Cleaner
Scrubbing Bubbles was once the standard cleaner to use for Bakelite testing, but experts now recommend Formula 409 instead. To use, dampen a cotton swab with 409 and rub it gently on the inside of the item being tested. If it's Bakelite, the swab will turn yellow. If a piece is laquered, it may test negative with 409. Black Bakelite pieces often fail this test as well. Use the other tests above to confirm authenticity if a piece you suspect to be Bakelite fails with 409.

Thank you Everybody,

I found out from someone on Ebay that they are made of celluloid around 1930.

http://www.thckk.org/belknap-bluegrass-hist.html

This is a great website. It brings back some nostalgia. I remember my brother having a pocket knife during the 1950's. That was when every kid knew how to handle them safely, and that you'd get it taken away if you misused it.

Anyone out there have a knife with a true bakelite handle? I have never seen one, or if I have seen one I didn't realize what I was looking at. If you do, please post a pix.
Can any of the other man made handles be considered to be bakelite?

Ray

You can probably find them on Ebay.

Only have one John Primble and I don't believe that it is but 10 to 15 years old. I don't know how to date them either. Can someone help?

Paladin wrote:Anyone out there have a knife with a true bakelite handle? I have never seen one, or if I have seen one I didn't realize what I was looking at. If you do, please post a pix.
Can any of the other man made handles be considered to be bakelite?

Ray

It is not uncommon i Sweden that the often used black handlematerial is _called bakelite, but if it really is bakelite perhaps is another matter. The ones I tested with the rubbing test (as mentioned in the Molinthread in the europeanroom, a typical "bakelite"handle) did fail to show bakelite. But as said, its black so who knows. Black micarta is another rather good guess I think. Or the "artificial wood" mentioned earlier, whatever that is.